Bahrain Streamlines Advertising Permit Process to Five-Day Turnaround

Advertising licences in the Kingdom of Bahrain are now typically issued within five working days, provided all technical and administrative requirements are fulfilled, according to Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak.

The minister made the announcement in response to a parliamentary inquiry submitted by Shura Council member Dr. Ibtisam Al Dallal. He explained that the licensing process has been streamlined through a fully electronic application system available via the ministry’s official website and the national e-government portal, significantly improving efficiency and transparency.

Minister Al Mubarak noted that the regulatory framework overseeing advertising licences is supported by a dedicated team of 18 administrative staff and 15 specialised inspectors. Each application is subjected to careful review to ensure compliance with established standards related to advertisement size, placement, structural safety, and overall suitability.

A distinctive element of the approval process is the mandatory linguistic review carried out by the Advertising Committee. This review ensures the correct and appropriate use of the Arabic language in all advertising content. The committee operates under Decree-Law No. 14 of 1973 and also coordinates with relevant service providers and authorities to obtain technical assessments for complex or non-standard applications.

As part of broader efforts to modernise the advertising sector, the ministry has submitted two draft legislative amendments to the legislative authority. These proposed reforms aim to align existing laws with the rapidly evolving commercial and advertising landscape, while enhancing Bahrain’s urban visual identity and ensuring a faster, more organised licensing environment for businesses.

The minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to balancing regulatory oversight with commercial growth, supporting investors and advertisers while maintaining safety, linguistic integrity, and aesthetic standards across the Kingdom.